Esperanza Hope To Cope: Taking An Active Role in Treatment Decisions

by Carol L. Rickard

I was part of a panel discussion this week called “Managing Your Depression: A Closer Look at Medications and Finding the Right Balance.”

The first polling question to the viewers was this:

What role do you have in making treatment decisions for your depression?

1. I allow my doctor to make all of the treatment decisions for me.
2. I speak with my doctor about my preferences and share in the responsibility when deciding which treatment is best for me.
3. I consider my doctor’s opinion, but I make the final decision about which treatment I feel is best for me.
4. I prefer for my doctor to make the final decision about which treatment should be used after seriously considering my opinion.

Which one did you select?

The audience overwhelmingly selected “3” as their answer. My answer was “2”.

Just so you know – there are no wrong answers!

One of the goals of this program was to introduce a successful treatment approach called:

“Shared Decision Making”.

What is it? I’m glad you asked!

Shared Decision Making is simply working TOGETHER with your healthcare provider (HCP) in making treatment decisions that affect your health!

This team approach lets everyone be on the same page!

Your role:

• Communicate your goals, concerns, & preferences to your HCP.
• Learn about your illness.
• Participate in your own care.

Your HCP’s role:

• Recommend the best treatment for you.
• Consider and respect your values.
• Listen to your goals, preferences, & concerns.

Here’s another way to think about it…

You are the expert on you and the symptoms you experience.

Your HCP is the expert on the illness and different treatments.

Shared Decision Making is about bringing the two experts together!

I was fortunate to have learned this many years ago. I had a psychiatrist say to me: “I am not God. I cannot make you well, we must work together.”

If you’re interested, you can watch a replay of the 60-minute program – click here.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box below!

~ Living Well TODAY! ~

 

via Esperanza – Hope To Cope
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